5 Things to Know About a Keeshond

The Keeshond is an active and friendly dog who is great for children. Photo: Petful

1. Key Characteristics of a Keeshond

AKC Group: Non-Sporting

Height: 17–18 inches

Weight: 35–45 pounds

Life Expectancy: 13–15 years

The Keeshond (pronounced “kayz-hawnd”) is an active, medium-sized dog with a fox-like expression. The double coat is thick and comes in colors of gray, black and cream in marked variations throughout the fur.

2. Where the Keeshond Came From

Keeshonden (the plural form of Keeshond) come from the Arctic and descend from the lines that also created these breeds:

The Keeshond was originally used as a watchdog on barges and farms and was known as the Dutch Barge Dog.

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The dog was used as a symbol for the Dutch Patriot political party run by Kees de Gyselaer, who also gave the breed its name. The political party was not successful, and the popularity of the breed diminished until around 1920, when a baroness started breeding them again.

Within 10 years, the breed was reestablished and popular in England. The Dutch Keeshond Club was created, and Keeshonden were exported to the United States shortly thereafter.

5. How to Adopt a Keeshond

With that said, finding a Keeshond through adoption resources may be difficult. If you go through a breeder, make sure the breeder is reputable and doesn’t exhibit any glaring puppy mill warning signs.